Technology and Environment in Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater introduces an essential factor the architect incorporated in the perspective of organic architecture by striking the balance between technology and the environment. He utilized building materials in the likes of concrete and steel, contemporary resources which appeared quite artificial to the average man or woman (Hoffman 18; Levine 217). Technological advancement usually denotes an unwelcoming and unattractive facet of society, not just in the environmental realm but in the social aspect as well.

At the same time as the country progresses towards the 20th century, the relationship between technology and the environment grew all the more crucial as far as the designs Wright conceives.

He acknowledged that the technological advancements constitute an vital element of the society into which humanity is born. As an architect, he considered it his purpose to identify the common ground where technology and the environment exist in harmony with one another (Hoffman 18; Levine 217). The spectacular profile and structures he conceptualized, particularly in his most recent works became feasible with the aid of technological advances.

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Nonetheless, it took a human factor for cultivation (Hoffman 18; Levine 217). However, others believe that the building materials he incorporated were far from what were generally regarded as organic elements found in nature. In what manner can the cantilevered concrete, a feature of the structure communicate with the environment? In response to that query, the architect requests his audiences to consider nature as an abstract form (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Wright suggests that his audiences treat nature as an innate feature of the material.

The moment an individual identifies the fundamental component of masonry, brick, and wood, their nature was identifiable every time they are being utilized allowing them to function in the rising contemporary society (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Undeniably, his works has evermore altered the landscape of the country, and similar to several built environments, his brand of architecture mirrored the socio-cultural aspects of the times beginning in the year 1890 until 1960 (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Analyzing his designs would even offer significant insights concerning the concepts of organic architecture.

His influence in field of architecture remains undisputed. The character of the structures he designed imposed not a style rather a manifestation of awareness which encouraged other versions of the forms in the contemporary society (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). Several other architects drew inspiration from the proximity of environmental occurrences (Hoffman 21; Levine 217). The Fallingwater serves as a contemporary representation of the basic need to identify with nature by means of immersion. Forming a cantilever above the waterfall of a winding creek, the Kaufmann house is nestled amid the forest.

The rhythm of flowing water is heard around the place and suspended balconies offer the feeling of blending with nature. Such connection delivers an intimate connection with the built as well as the natural environment. The clean geometric architectural forms start to expose the inherent properties present in the basic structure of the natural environment.

Works Cited Hoffmann, Donald. Understanding Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architecture. Chelmsford, Massachusetts: Courier Dover Publications, 1995. Levine, Neil. The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1996.